Are you thinking about solo travel for the first time but feeling anxious about it? As a woman with more than thirty years of solo travel under my belt, I understand how you feel.
There is something special about solo travel, but there are downsides to travelling alone too. Personal safety tops the list of worries, and published solo travel studies show that safety is the number one fear amongst solo female travellers.
Solo travel is generally safe. The overwhelming majority of my experiences have been positive, and most people you meet on the road are kind and helpful. But travelling alone does mean extra vigilance.
You don’t have a companion to watch your bag while you nip to the loo, or someone to walk back to the hotel with after dinner. You are your own safety net.
For solo women, the challenges can be more pronounced. Unwanted attention is more common, and women are statistically more likely to be targeted for certain crimes. Extra precautions are needed as a result.
None of this should put you off. With preparation and a little street smarts, it is achievable. Here are the solo travel safety tips I swear by, built up over three decades on the road.
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Before You Travel
Keeping safe whilst travelling alone starts long before you board that plane. Here’s what you need to sort before you go.
1. Research your destination
Most of the best solo travel destinations are also the safest, especially for first-time solo travellers.
Before you book, check for any safety concerns for your chosen destination. No destination is completely risk-free, but that shouldn’t put you off. It should just inform your planning.
Sadly, 100% safe destinations are as rare as unicorns, but this shouldn’t deter you from travelling.
I take a measured approach to risk. I’m just as likely to be a victim of crime in my home city of London as in many places abroad. But this is a personal judgement, based on your own circumstances and risk appetite.
You don’t want your holiday ruined or curtailed by civil unrest, so it pays to do your homework. A good starting point is the Foreign Office (or equivalent) website for your country. As a UK citizen, I use the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, but sometimes check the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Many governments also let you register your trip with the local embassy, so they can reach you if something happens at home or abroad.
Go beyond government travel advisories, though, since these can be slow to update. I also check:
- Reddit city subreddits for current on-the-ground information
- Recent travel blogs from solo travellers, particularly solo women
- Local English-language news sites to understand current issues
- TripAdvisor forums for specific neighbourhood safety queries
Find out if your destination is a hotspot for particular scams or crime too.
Pickpocketing is rife in Barcelona but aggressive begging is rare there. Bangkok has taxi meter scams but violent crime against tourists is uncommon.
Knowing the specific risks means you can prepare for them rather than feeling anxious about everything.
If this is your first solo trip, start somewhere familiar. A city you’ve visited before, or a break in your home country, builds confidence for bigger trips later.
2. Get comprehensive travel insurance
This is non-negotiable. Whatever your budget, get travel insurance.
When you’re travelling alone, you can’t rely on a travel companion to help if something goes wrong. Travel insurance is your safety net for medical emergencies, lost belongings and trip cancellations.
Make sure your policy covers:
- Medical treatment and emergency medical evacuation
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Personal liability
- Any activities you plan to do (skiing, scuba diving, etc.)
Always read the small print, and keep a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers both digitally and in print.
3. Set up emergency contacts properly
Set up an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact on your phone. Both iPhone and Android allow you to add emergency contact information that’s accessible even when your phone is locked. Include your home emergency contact, your travel insurance emergency number and any relevant medical information.
I also write my emergency contact details on a card and keep it in my purse. If something happens to me and my phone is dead, damaged or lost, someone can still reach my family.
4. Share your itinerary with someone at home
Before you head off, give a friend or family member a copy of your itinerary and flight details. If you don’t have a fully fleshed-out itinerary, don’t worry. A rough idea of your movements is better than nothing.
And keep in touch while you are away. I’ll cover location-sharing apps later in this post, since they make this much easier.
5. Photocopy or scan key documents
Carry a photocopy of your passport ID page, and keep a scanned copy in your email or on Dropbox. Photograph both sides of your credit cards, your driving licence, visas and any other important documents, and store them somewhere you can reach online.
If everything is stolen, you’ll still have what you need to cancel cards and report missing documents. I also email myself copies of my accommodation bookings and any pre-booked tours, so I can access them from an internet café or a borrowed phone if mine dies.
6. Try to learn a little of the local language
The ability to communicate with local people not only makes travelling more enriching but can also help you stay safe. This is particularly important if you are not venturing into a heavily touristed area. My go-to resource for a quick crash course is the Duolingo app.
7. Understand local customs and dress codes
Research what’s culturally appropriate for your destination, especially regarding clothing. This isn’t about conforming for the sake of it, but about respecting local norms and not making yourself a target for unwanted attention.
Shorts and vest tops are never a good idea in many Islamic countries for either gender and, for women, will attract unwanted attention. In some countries, showing your shoulders is considered immodest. In others, wearing revealing clothing is fine, but eating whilst walking is considered rude.
When I’m in conservative countries, I pack lightweight long-sleeved shirts and loose trousers. It’s not a huge sacrifice, and it saves me from stares and comments.
In some countries, public displays of affection are illegal. In others, photographing government buildings will get you arrested. Know before you go.
Booking Safe Accommodation for Solo Travellers
Where you stay can make or break your solo travel experience. Getting this right is crucial for your safety and peace of mind.
I’ve written this guide to picking where to stay as a solo traveller, but these are my key takeaways:
8. Choose your location wisely
Location matters more than anything else when booking. Look for somewhere in a good part of town, ideally close to transport and restaurants.
Don’t just look at the hotel itself. Look at the neighbourhood. Is it well-lit with shops and restaurants nearby? Is it deserted after dark? Are there good transport links? Would you feel safe walking back after dinner?
I use Google Maps Street View to check out the area around potential accommodation before booking. It isn’t foolproof, but it gives a sense of what to expect
A central location or a good neighbourhood usually costs more. This isn’t the place to save money. A cheap hotel in a dodgy area often costs more once you add up the taxis you’ll need because you don’t feel safe walking anywhere.
9. Read solo traveller reviews carefully
Read travellers’ reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com. The latter lets you filter by location reviews for solo travellers, and gives a separate score for location.
Look for patterns rather than isolated complaints. One person mentioning noise might have been unlucky. Ten people mentioning touts outside the hotel is a red flag.
Pay attention to reviews from solo women in particular. They’ll flag things that wouldn’t bother other guests, like a dark hotel entrance or overly familiar staff.
Be wary of prices that look too good to be true. In my experience, a suspiciously cheap hotel usually has a reason for being cheap.
10. Book your first night in advance
Regardless of how loose the plans are for the rest of your trip, make sure you’ve booked your first night’s accommodation. I always figure out how I will get there from the airport or train station in advance.
Arriving somewhere new and having to find accommodation whilst jet-lagged, possibly not speaking the language and navigating an unfamiliar city is asking for trouble. You’re vulnerable, and you’ll likely make poor decisions or end up in the first place you find, regardless of whether it’s suitable.
11. Consider hostels for meeting people safely
As a flashpacker, my days of sleeping in a dorm are way behind me, but I would consider booking a private room in a hostel. Many modern hostels cater to older travellers, like me, and solo travellers, with private rooms, female-only dorms and social spaces designed for meeting people.
If you’re worried about meeting people whilst travelling alone, hostels can be ideal. You’re surrounded by other travellers who are also looking to connect. Common areas make it easy to strike up conversations naturally.
Look for hostels with good security: lockers for your belongings, key card access to rooms and 24-hour reception. Read reviews specifically about security and cleanliness.
12. Vet Airbnbs and vacation rentals carefully
More often than not, I will rent an apartment for my solo trip. Vacation rentals are usually centrally located and offer more bang for your buck. However, they need extra vetting, and this is what I look for:
- Properties with numerous positive reviews – read these carefully for any mentions of safety concerns, neighbourhood issues or questionable host behaviour.
- Host experience and rating – I look for Airbnb Superhosts with hundreds of reviews
- Access – Will you be arriving to find a key in a lockbox at 2 am? Or will someone meet you? I prefer accommodation with staff or hosts who can meet you.
- Location – Read the listing thoroughly. Where exactly is it located? Is it the entire place or a room in someone’s home? If it’s a shared space, will the host be there? Will there be other guests? Who has access to the property?
- Host responsiveness – Use the messaging system to ask questions before booking. How does the host respond? Are they professional and helpful? Trust your instincts. If something feels off, find somewhere else.
- Security deposit – Carefully examine the T&Cs for the booking. I avoid properties that retain the right to extract money for damages.
Solo Travel Safety Tips When On the Road
13. Lock up your valuables and check your room
An in-room safe is one of my must-haves when choosing a hotel. On arrival, I lock away my passport, documents, spare cash and cards I don’t need for the day.
Don’t assume a locked door makes your room secure. Cleaners and the front desk both have master keys, and not every member of staff can be trusted.
It’s also worth checking the door and window locks when you arrive, and using the do-not-disturb sign whenever you’re out.
Keep your daily spending separate from your main stash. I carry one card and a little cash for the day, and leave the rest locked away. If you’re pickpocketed, you lose a little rather than everything.
14. Don’t flash your valuables in public
Would you walk along the street waving £500 in crisp notes in the air? I didn’t think so. In the same way, don’t flash your expensive DSLR or smartphone. Be mindful when you take them out for a photo, and leave the tiara at home.
15. Carry a decent anti-theft bag, and consider a personal alarm
A good anti-theft bag is worth the money. Look for slash-resistant material, locking zips and RFID-blocking pockets. They won’t stop a determined thief, but they make life harder for pickpockets.
I use this Pacsafe bag at home and abroad. It’s not the most stylish thing I own, but it gives me confidence walking through crowded markets and tourist areas.
Some solo travellers also carry a small personal alarm, or use a tracker like an AirTag in their bag, as an extra layer alongside the location-sharing apps covered later in this post.
16. Look like you know what you’re doing
Wherever I travel, I try to blend in as much as I can. Although my fair complexion means that I am never going to pass as a local in many corners of our globe, there are other measures I can take.
Try not to walk the streets peering at maps. Get a general sense of your route before leaving the hotel, and if you need to check your phone, duck into a shop or café rather than stopping in the middle of the pavement.
Walk with purpose. Even if you’re completely lost, act like you know where you’re going. Looking confused or hesitant marks you as a tourist and potentially an easy target.
17. Trust your instincts
Common sense and gut instinct matter more than anything else when you’re travelling alone.
If somewhere doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a shady street or a dodgy bar, leave. Don’t walk down dark alleys alone at night with a large stash of cash on you.
My instincts have served me well over the years. Women are often socialised to be polite even when uncomfortable. Unlearn this when you’re travelling alone. Your safety matters more than a stranger’s feelings.
18. Go easy on the alcohol
Don’t get me wrong, I love a cheeky glass of wine as much as the next person. But as a solo female traveller, I am responsible for my safety and for getting myself back to the hotel.
So I limit how much I drink when I’m alone. A big night out isn’t worth the risk when I’m getting myself home alone.
19. Be strategic about nighttime activities
As a woman travelling alone, I’m careful where I go after dark. This depends on the destination, but I try to do most of my exploring by day and eat somewhere close to the hotel in the evening.
This doesn’t mean you can’t go out at night, but be smart about it. Stick to busy, well-lit areas. Know how you’re getting back before you leave. Have the address of your hotel in the local language on your phone so you can show taxi drivers.
For dinner, I choose restaurants within walking distance in areas I’ve already seen in daylight, and avoid parks or quiet residential streets after dark. For shows or concerts, I book tickets ahead so I know exactly where I’m going, and check my transport options for getting back.
20. Never, ever tell strangers that you are travelling alone
Don’t overshare with people you’ve just met. Over the years, in plenty of places, strangers have asked if I’m alone.
My stock answer is that I’m meeting a friend or partner later, who’s gone back to the hotel to rest. Most of these questions are probably innocent, but it costs nothing to be cautious.
Hotel staff, who’ll know you’re alone, tend to look out for you, especially in smaller hotels, and can advise on areas to avoid.
I’ve also worn a plain ring on my wedding finger at times, to deter unwanted attention.
21. Be slow to trust
Whilst solo travel presents many opportunities for meeting new people, be savvy about how you do this.
Perhaps you meet someone in a bar, restaurant or on a tour, and they suggest meeting later that evening? It may sound obvious, but don’t agree to head off to some isolated location with them. Instead, suggest meeting up in a public place where there will be other people around.
22. Be careful with social media
Don’t post your location in real time. That gorgeous beach photo? Post it after you’ve left. That amazing restaurant? Share it tomorrow. Broadcasting your exact location as a solo traveller is asking for trouble.
Turn off location tagging on your photos. Disable the feature that shows when you’re active or when you’ve read messages. You don’t want people knowing your patterns or that you’re definitely not in your hotel room right now.
Transportation Safety for Female Solo Travellers
23. Arrive during daylight where possible
A place can feel very different once night falls.
More than once, I’ve arrived somewhere after dark and had to find my own way to the hotel. It can feel intimidating, sometimes worse. In daylight, the same journey is far less daunting.
24. Pre-arrange airport transfers
If you must arrive late, take a taxi, or better, book your transport in advance. It costs more, but it buys peace of mind.
A pre-booked transfer means someone is waiting with your name on a sign. You’re not negotiating with taxi touts while exhausted, the car is licensed and tracked, and there’s a record if anything goes wrong.
25. Be careful with taxis
Only use licensed taxis or reputable apps like Uber, Bolt or Grab. Never accept rides from people who approach you at airports or train stations claiming to be taxi drivers.
If the driver makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Ask to be let out in a busy, safe area. Don’t worry about being rude.
I keep small notes for taxis so I’m not counting out cash in front of a driver, and I keep my destination written down or saved on my phone in the local language.
26. Navigate public transport confidently
Public transport is generally safe and an excellent way to save money and experience local life. But take precautions.
On buses and trains, avoid empty carriages if possible. Sit near other people, preferably families or other women. Some countries have women-only carriages. On night buses or trains, sit near the driver or conductor.
Keep your bag on your lap or between your feet, where you can feel it. In crowded situations like rush hour metros, wear your backpack on your front. This is when pickpockets strike.
Learn the public transport system before you need to use it. Download offline maps. Know which line goes where. Understanding the system means you look confident rather than confused and lost.
27. Keep a hotel business card on you
Pick up a business card from your hotel when you check in, and keep it with you when you are out and about. If you get lost or need to get a taxi back, you can just show the driver the card. No language barrier, no confusion, no accidentally giving them your home address instead of your hotel.
Technology and Apps That Keep You Safe
Your phone is one of your most valuable safety tools when travelling alone. Use it wisely.
28. Share your location with someone at home
Both iPhone and Android have location-sharing features. Set this up with a trusted friend or family member before you leave. They can check where you are if they’re concerned, and if something happens to you, there’s a digital trail.
29. Set up Emergency SOS on your phone
iPhones have Emergency SOS that lets you quickly call emergency services by holding the side button and volume button. You can set it up to automatically share your location and alert your emergency contacts. Android has similar features.
Learn how to use your phone’s emergency functions before you need them.
30. Download offline maps
Get offline maps for your destination on Google Maps or Maps.me before you travel. You can navigate without a signal or data charges, and you’re not stood on a corner looking lost while you wait for a connection.
Offline maps have saved me more than once, particularly somewhere the signal was patchy.
31. Get an eSIM or a local SIM Card
Having a working local number is worth it for safety alone. You can call hotels, taxis and emergency services without worrying about roaming charges.
I install an eSIM from Airlo before I leave home, but local SIM cards are also cheap and easy to buy at airports or convenience stores. Make sure that the plan you select includes calls – some are data-only – and that your phone is unlocked before you travel.
32. Use a VPN on Public WiFi
If you’re using public WiFi in cafés, hotels or airports, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This protects your data from being intercepted. When you’re accessing banking apps, booking accommodation or entering credit card details, you don’t want someone on the same network harvesting your information.
I use NordVPN, but there are numerous options. It’s worth the small annual fee for peace of mind.
Last but not least, build your confidence as a solo traveller (Tip #33)
Last but by no means least, strut your solo stuff. Even if you are quaking internally, don’t show it.
Act like a confident solo traveller, and before long you’ll start believing it.
Confidence comes with experience. Your first solo trip will feel daunting. By your fifth, you’ll wonder what you were so worried about. Each trip builds your skills and your self-assurance.
Start small if you need to. A weekend city break is less intimidating than a month-long adventure through Southeast Asia. Build up gradually, and you’ll gain confidence with each successful trip.
Remember that millions of people travel solo every year without incident. You’re not doing anything radical or impossibly dangerous. You’re simply exploring the world on your own terms.
Trust yourself and trust your preparation. You’ve got this.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLO TRAVEL
- Why Travelling Alone In Your 50s Rocks!
- 21 Easy Ways to Meet People While Travelling Alone
- 10 Easy Ways to Beat Solo Travel Loneliness
- The Secret to Successful Solo Dining: 21 Tips To Make Eating Alone Fun
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
This was amazing! I plan to do a little more solo travel in 2019 so I can really appreciate these tips.
Hello Wendy. I’m so glad that they may help. Thanks for taking the time to comment and happy (and safe) travels! Bridget
Great tips for men… ESSENTIAL tips for women :)
Hi Lisa. Thanks for this. Sure thing. Sadly, women have to take extra care when travelling alone.
Brudget
This is so helpful! I don’t travel alone too frequently, but definitely important to remember these tips when I do
Hi Rachel. Thanks for this. I’m so glad that you found it helpful.
Bridget
I would suggest staying at a hostel instead of a hotel. Hostels are usually full of people either travelling alone or looking for people to meet. You may arrive alone but you wont stay that way for long.
Hi Amanda. You are quite right. I have a few close friends I met in a hostel. Unfortunately, my hosteling days are far behind me :(
Bridget